Did The Mummy Fail Because of Tom Cruise?

The Mummy has failed to perform well at the box office. The film that was to launch Universal’s Dark Universe failed to live up to fans’ expectations.

While no specific reasons for its failure have been revealed, a recent update is reporting that the lead star Tom Cruise is the reason why it flopped at the box office.

Tom Cruise blamed for failure

Variety reported that the failure of The Mummy is being pinned on Cruise. According to the outlet, many people associated with the movie stated that the megastar had excessive creative control over the movie, which led to it not performing.

The outlet also stated that Cruise took over multiple responsibilities during the filming and even used to dictate even the smallest decisions on set. With Cruise essentially being a guiding force during the editing as well, he was said to be micro-managing the movie.

Another reason why he was given such kind of decision-making power is that of Universal granting him control of most aspects contractually. Because of this, he had a say in everything from the script to the post-production.

Statement from sources

The sources that let in on behind-the-scenes information also stated that Cruise gave his inputs in the movie’s marketing and release strategy. He was the one whose approval led to director Alex Kurtzman getting an opportunity to helm the movie.

The sources also mentioned that Cruise reportedly brought aboard two more writers along with Christopher McQuarrie to work on a new script. Once the rehashing of the script was done, it had done some significant changes.

For instance, the new script ended up giving more screen time to the megastar’s character. The original script reportedly had equal screen time for both Cruise’s character and co-star Sofia Boutella’s Mummy.

Cruise reportedly also involved himself with the editing process. He brought in his longtime editor Andrew Mondshein to put together the final version of the movie. He allegedly also spent time in the editing suite overseeing the cutting, which was really not going well.

Universal’s statement

No matter what these sources stated about Cruise having excessive control, the studio came in Cruise’s defense. They specifically denied any report about Cruise having excessive control and even praised him.

According to the studio’s statement, Cruise’s dedication and enthusiasm toward any project he does are unmatched. He works only to ensure that audiences should truly have an exceptional movie-going experience. The studio even called Cruise a true partner and creative collaborator.

The Mummy’s performance at the box office

Domestically and Overseas, Wonder Woman has buried The Mummy. The DC superhero movie is doing exceptionally well and has managed to stay ahead of the film.

According to the outlet, The Mummy had a weak domestic opening of $32 million but has been doing well internationally. Outside the US, the movie hit an opening weekend of $142 million.

Despite this, reports are suggesting that The Mummy might find it difficult to get its money back. It reportedly took $190 million to make and an additional $100 million for a worldwide release.

If this was not enough, the movie’s reviews are not favorable as well. Many critics have called the movie another Mission: Impossible type movie. Rotten Tomatoes has given it a score of just 16%.

Plot

The Mummy is a present day twist on a monster story. It stars Cruise as a soldier of fortune who comes across an ancient tomb. After accidentally opening it, the tomb awakens the Mummy who had been imprisoned in it for centuries.

With so many centuries of imprisonment, the Mummy unleashes devastation on Earth and it is now on Cruise’s character to somehow stop her and save the world.

The movie is said to be a part of Universal’s Dark Universe. More movies like Wolfman, Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, Invisible Man, Dracula, and others are planned in this universe.